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Negev

The calibration site is called Shizafon Playa. The playa is located at 30°06'47"N and 35°00'34"E. Elevation is 340 m above MSL. The total size of the playa is about 200,000 sq. m (0.2 sq. km). It is characterized by a very smooth and extremely homogeny surface. The playa's substrate consists of loamy silt with high percentage of clay and low percentage of sand.
The site is located in a hyper-arid environment. Long-term average precipitation is about 40 mm concentrated in a few events during the winter season (November - March). Consequently, no higher or lower (biological soil crust) vegetation exists on the playa and the soil moisture is extremely low. In addition, the area is characterized by low probability of cloud cover and clear air.